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North Sound ACH

North Sound Accountable Community of Health

North Sound ACH staff

Peer Support Program Launches at Lopez Island Family Resource Center

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This post was written in part by Lopez Island Resource Center Staff, originally published in an organizational update.

One of North Sound ACH’s partners, Lopez Island Family Resource Center (LIFRC), is working with other community partners, to launch an innovative prevention and wellness initiative.  This work is part of their commitment to the Medicaid Transformation Project.

From LIFC’s website:

Given the complexity of our island’s health issues and the unique challenges of being in a rural community, we are implementing a multifaceted four-part approach that challenges conventional thinking in several ways: tackle biases and systemic racism community-wide rather than one individual or organization at a time; use brain research to shift from “top-down” approaches that help people think differently to “bottom-up” approaches that help people cope with their raw emotions; and, use experiential learning and social connections to bring diverse people to build healthier lifestyles.

The program LIFC has decided to adopt is part of Open Source Wellness (OSW), an organization based in the Bay Area with the motto, “Community IS medicine.” Their model creates a community support for those working toward better health through behavioral changes: Leveraging the power of community to transform health outcomes and healthcare: Preventing and reversing chronic disease through a clinically-proven, low-cost, long-lasting behavior change program.

From Open Source Wellness:

For individuals and families who need it most, who struggle with poverty, unsafe environments, and upstream drivers of chronic disease, – there is no affordable, accessible, and culturally relevant delivery system for the behavioral medicine that they need, and as an entire society we pay the price.

Open Source Wellness was designed to fill the gaping hole between a doctor’s “behavioral prescription” and the actual experiential fulfillment of that prescription. We are happy when we see people moving their bodies together, eating well together, leaning together, managing stress together, – and developing the skill, power, and agency within their communities to collectively generate health and wellbeing.

LIFRC hired several individuals last Fall to create a coaching team for their organization and community.  The team spent a week of training in Oakland, learning how to implement the program.  Soon after, Open Source Wellness founders came to Lopez Island to host a demonstration event with the LIFRC team. Over 80 people of all ages attended: clients, Latino moms, seniors, kids, EMTs, Hospital District Commissioners, clinic staff, and community members joined together for two hours of learning. Everyone got to experience OSW first hand: dance exercise, stress reduction, group and partner discussion about personal health and wellness goals.

“The goal of OSW is moving from exclusion to inclusion that leads to well-being.  Many people who joined noted they were lonely and looking for connections in their lives,” shared LIFRC’s Executive Director Barbara Schultheiss.

The program launched in January with 22 participants; a new group will start every 16 weeks.  With this train-the-trainer model, graduates will serve as peer leaders for future groups.  LIFRC is researching becoming a Health Care Authority licensed mental health agency for peer support only, which would help support the program long term. 

Schultheiss shared that this model is in line with LIFRC’s vision. “Peer leaders are a part of our equity goals of sharing power and having people with lived experience shape solutions in our community,” she shared.

Learn more about the LIFC coaching team here.

For more information on Open Source Wellness’ model, click here or visit their website.

Gratitude to Those Taking Care of our Health

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My colleague Nicole Willis and I were talking this week about how much ‘public’ health happens that is invisible to most unless there is an emergency or crisis that makes the mainstream news. A Hepatitis A outbreak, norovirus or the current coronavirus makes us aware of how critically important a strong surveillance and emergency response system is. And those systems don’t just pop-up overnight without preparation and training. We have amazing people who practice for these situations and therefore know what to do when they occur – hospitals, public health, first responders and more. 

We are all just one breath away from something unforeseen. A global economy brings many benefits along with challenges that may arrive. It is incredible to think that we can track tainted produce to its source; figure out who ate at a restaurant that may be at risk; identify who was on a particular flight, in an airport or facility and find them to check that they are okay. Technology helps, but people who are trained to do this work make the difference day in and day out.

Take a minute and thank the people who watch out for us, keep an eye out for threats to our health, who step into the space of caring for people who are ill, knowing that they often put themselves at risk in doing so. 

We are grateful for all (you!) they do.

Attending the Annual Centennial Accord, Hosted by Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs

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As we sunrise into 2020 and the new decade, North Sound ACH wanted to update our board, staff, partners, and communities on a convening that North Sound ACH staff were able to witness in the last quarter of 2019.

On November 7, 2019, North Sound ACH’s CEO, Liz Baxter, and project coordinator, Michaela Vendiola, were able to attend the 30th Annual Centennial Accord hosted by the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs in Shelton, Washington at the Little Creek Casino Resort’s Skookum Creek Event Center. The theme of the 2019 Centennial Accord is: Commemorating 30 Years of State-Tribal Relations. As part of the Centennial Accord updates, the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs developed and provided attendees with a copy of the 2019 Centennial Accord Agency Highlights which is a mandated annual report under chapter 43.376 RCW (Government to Government Relationships with Indian Tribes). Per the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs Executive Director, Craig Bill:

The report summarizes the work that state agencies have completed this past year to strengthen the government-to-government relationships with tribes. Also included are many great examples of successful state-tribal collaboration which have led to positive benefits for all communities.

While in attendance, Michaela was able to actively listen to updates relating to tribal and state level changes in regard to the format of government-to-government meetings in hopes that a system change will assist with synchronizing and streamlining the abundance of State and government-to-government meetings and convenings that elected tribal leaders and representatives are asked to attend on behalf of their sovereign tribal nations. Additionally, Michaela had the opportunity to witness the cohesion of the Governor’s Indian Health Advisory Council | Washington State Health Care Authority (GIHAC). The GIHAC was developed in accordance with Section 3(3) of Senate Bill 5415 (2019). Per the Health Care Authority’s – Office of Indian Affairs, the GIHAC convenes with the purpose of addressing issues in our state’s Indian health care delivery system. The GIHAC includes representatives from tribes, Indian health, state agencies, and legislators. The GIHAD builds upon the planning work of the Governor’s Indian Health Council created in 2018 through Senate Bill 6032.

Michaela’s Reflection

This is the second time that I have been able to attend a Centennial Accord. Attendance at the 2019 Centennial Accord served as, yet again, another great learning opportunity for myself and in extension, my organization, in understanding the extensive and very intentionally involved process of upholding the government-to-government relationships between the 29 Federally Recognized Tribes of Washington State and the State of Washington. As a young American Indian (Walker River Paiute and Swinomish) professional who was born and raised in the Lummi Nation, witnessing such a gathering between the highest offices of elected leaders and representatives from the sovereign tribal nations as well as from our State, sets a precedence and expectation for how government-to-government relationships should be carried out and built upon for generations to come.

It is of importance to have a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the historical and contemporary policy changes (tribal changes and State changes) which have an impact on services and service delivery in both the tribal nations and the State alike. This knowledge and understanding is crucial because the leaders who have set the groundwork for the government-to-government relationships since the mid-1800s have built the foundation for which the next generations will sustain and strengthen government-to-government relationships into the future. 

It is exciting and motivating to see the work being done in the State and at the tribal nations throughout the state and how the work that we do at North Sound ACH can support the building and sustaining of tribal and non-tribal relationships, services, and access in our region. Thank you to the tribal leaders and State leaders who took time to talk with me about the work that we are doing at North Sound ACH while in attendance at the Centennial Accord. I continue to take these learning opportunities to observe and grow from the mass amount of work that has been done, and continues to take place, by the tribal leaders and delegates as well as the representatives from Washington State.

Finally, thank you to Squaxin Island and the staff of the Little Creek Casino for hosting the 2019 Centennial Accord and for your hospitality during the event. And especially thank you to the 2019 Centennial Accord fish cook, Andy Whitener of Squaxin Island Tribe. It is a huge and important lift to cook salmon for and feed the leaders of our tribal nations, our State, as well as several hundred additional attendees.

Hysh’qe (Thank you),


Michaela B. Vendiola, Walker River Paiute and Swinomish
Project Coordinator, North Sound Accountable Community of Health



Community Impact Director Joins North Sound ACH Team

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In January we welcomed Alicia Benish to the team as the new Community Impact Director. In her role, Alicia will develop meaningful community engagement opportunities among regional partners while supporting North Sound’s collaborative learning initiatives.


Before joining North Sound ACH, Alicia managed the Mobile Medical Program for Seattle-King County Public Health. In this role, Alicia collaborated with community and governmental agencies to develop outreach strategies to provide person-centered physical, dental, and behavioral health services to people experiencing homelessness across the region.
 
Prior to working for Public Health, Alicia was a management consultant who advised health industry clients in developing best practices to engage individuals with complex health conditions. Alicia’s work as a consultant and program manager were informed by her early experiences assisting individuals in navigating health and social service systems as a Spanish medical interpreter, case manager, and community organizer.

Alicia grew up in Snohomish County before moving to Seattle to attend the University of Washington, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies in 2006 and a Master of Health Administration in 2014. In her free time, Alicia enjoys cooking, skiing, and discovering new hiking trails in the PNW. Welcome, Alicia!

New Administrative Staff

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Our team is thrilled to have two new staff members! Kassy Kadoun joined us as Finance Associate, and Vanessa Diaz as Administrative Associate earlier this month.

Originally from Shelton, WA, Kassy Kadoun moved to Bellingham in 2015 to attend Western Washington University, where she received her degree in Business Administration with a focus on Management. Kassy has experience working in the fields of administration, finance, and marketing. Most recently, she managed the scheduling, production, and finances at a local branding company.

At North Sound ACH, Kassy will handle all expense reports, payroll processing, and various financial statements, along with assisting in other administrative tasks to support the team. Although she is new to the field of healthcare, she is excited to further her knowledge and experience in the field of finance while learning more about public health.

Vanessa Diaz grew up in the Skagit Valley and is an enrolled Samish Indian Nation tribal member. She earned her degree in Medical Assistant Phlebotomy and has over twenty years experience working in the medical community, supporting the front and back office of medical offices ranging from primary care to specialty clinics. Most recently she worked at the Upper Skagit Tribal Community as the Purchased and Referred Care Clerk. In addition to her work, she is part of the wrestling team board and coaches soccer.

In her role, Vanessa will provide administrative support to staff, senior leadership, and various advisory groups focused on health system transformation initiatives and strategies. Vanessa brings much positive energy with her, and excited to join the team that can make a difference in the communities that have helped shape and mold the person she is today.

Welcome, Kassy and Vanessa!

Kassy Kadoun, Finance Associate; Vanessa Diaz, Administrative Associate

Project Managers Reflect on Partner Site Visits

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Our project managers Lindsay Knaus, Heather McGuinness, and Amanda Robins shared some takeaways from recent partner site visits.

From Lindsay: 

This summer’s site visits provided a unique opportunity to connect with partner organizations and learn more about their work on the ground-level. Throughout July and August, we met with partners and their teams across the North Sound region to learn more about implementation efforts and build relationships. 

Through these visits, we were able to go on tours, meet team members, obtain resources and information used for clients and patients, and connect partners across sectors and counties to improve care coordination efforts. 

I learned first-hand about the unique challenges around transportation for San Juan County partners. I gained a new appreciation around planning events and meetings with partners in rural areas, specifically those who can only be reached by ferry or plane. Navigating the ferries during the summer months gave me an appreciation for the unique challenges around access to care and hospital discharge planning between island and mainland partners.

A key takeaway for me was being able to hear partners success stories and through those, connecting the dots between partners working both across sectors and counties to aid care coordination effort.

This experience was extremely valuable to bring back to our ACH team to determine strategies for supporting partners in their implementation work.

From Heather:

This summer’s site visits were a great opportunity for ACH staff to connect with partner organizations. At each visit, project managers sat down with the team to to learn more about how their work was going related to the Medicaid Transformation Project. Partners were able to ask questions and get clarity on ACH expectations, the reporting process, and where to get access to training and technical assistance. ACH staff were able to get a deeper understanding about partner successes and challenges in implementing strategies.

At many site visits, ACH staff were invited on tours of the facilities, which gave us an opportunity to see the work of partner organizations in action. These tours also gave us the chance to learn about programs outside of the scope of ACH work – for example, WSU Extension’s programs to support agricultural workers in starting their own businesses and supporting farmers’ mental health. 

 One key takeaway was the importance of collaboration: nearly all partners expressed a desire to connect with partners working on similar strategies, both to learn from one another and to strengthen referral partnerships.

From Amanda:

Site visits this summer allowed for a wonderful opportunity for me to meet our partners face-to-face and begin developing a long-term relationship rooted in achieving the goals of Medicaid Transformation together. Partners were wonderfully gracious hosts and were clearly excited about the initiatives they are implementing. Learning more in-depth about the challenges that partners are facing in implementing transformation strategies allowed me to recognize areas for collaboration between partners as well as areas where our whole region needs support. Sharing these insights with the greater ACH team allows us to develop plans to thoughtfully support and engage partners in our region. 

As someone who comes from a direct service background, it was great for me to spend time on site with partners and be reminded of the many lives our healthcare system touches. 

Through getting to know our partners and the specific work they are achieving, I more fully understand the depth and breadth of the work we are undertaking and how to help partners in accomplishing the work, region-wide, together.